Chapter 128: Xia Bingling Is Ready For Breakthrough

The fiery anger that had consumed Wang Li slowly morphed into a steely resolve. While vengeance would be a dish best served cold, his immediate priority was Mao Caiwei's well-being. She was a valuable pawn on the chessboard of power, and her survival was paramount. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned Ning Yue.

Ning Yue materialized before him, a vision in flowing silks, her curves accentuated by the way the fabric clung to her form. Her dark hair cascaded down her back, framing eyes that sparkled with intelligence. Yet, amidst the undeniable allure, there was a sharpness in her gaze, a testament to her unwavering focus.

"Ning Yue," Wang Li began, his voice laced with urgency, "I require your expertise." Briefly outlining the attack on Mao Caiwei and the demonic energy contamination, he continued, "Prepare a large batch of decontaminating pellets and the most potent healing pills you can muster."

Ning Yue listened intently, her brow furrowed in concentration. The severity of the situation wasn't lost on her. "Leave it to me, Young Master Wang," she replied, her voice a low purr. "Thankfully, you've provided me with the formulas for such elixirs in the past. Right now, I'm familiar with the formulae for these particular elixirs.

Give me a few hours, and I'll have enough to send to the Jade Lotus Palace."

A flicker of gratitude softened Wang Li's features. Ning Yue's loyalty and talent were invaluable assets.

He watched her leave, the sway of her hips a mesmerizing counterpoint to the urgency in his heart.

"See to it swiftly," he instructed, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice. "Every moment counts."

Ning Yue bowed her head in acknowledgement and disappeared in a swirl of silk and shadows. Time was of the essence.

Hours melted into a blur of activity. Wang Li sent the concocted elixirs to the Jade Lotus Palace, which could be seen as a silent message of support.

He also dispatched a communication talisman to Liu Xue, warning her of the increased attacks from the demonic sects.

This attack on Mao Caiwei could be a prelude to further chaos.

Next, he devised a plan to shift the focus onto Ye Fan. With a mischievous grin, he dispatched a message to various news agencies around the cultivation world. The message, subtly worded, hinted at Ye Fan's involvement in the demonic beast attack on the Jade Lotus Palace. He knew the impact a well-timed rumor could have.

While capturing Ye Fan was a long shot, Wang Li aimed to sow seeds of distrust to ensure that if Ye Fan did attack the Wang Family or any of their allies, they would receive quick support from the other righteous sects or cultivation families.

Just as he finished composing the message, another talisman buzzed to life – a communication from Xia Qingwu. Her voice, usually vibrant and full of life, held a hint of worry. "Li," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "My mother is ready to attempt her breakthrough to the Soul Integration Realm. She will face the Heavenly Tribulation soon and wishes for your presence.

I... I would be grateful if you could be there."

A wave of surprise washed over Wang Li. The Soul Integration Realm was a coveted stage, a significant leap in cultivation power. To witness Matriarch Xia Bingling attempt the breakthrough and face the Heavenly Tribulation was an honor he wouldn't readily refuse. "Of course, Qingwu," he said, a reassuring warmth in his voice. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. Tell your mother I'll be there."

The moment the door shut behind her daughter, Xia Bingling's demeanor shifted. A resolute glint replaced the softness in her eyes. With a flick of her wrist, she channeled her spiritual energy, creating a soundproof barrier around the room. This cloak of privacy established, the dam broke.

"You came," she breathed, her voice a husky whisper. The distance in their relative positions was no accident. She yearned for him, a yearning that mirrored his own.

Wang Li's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Of course, Matriarch." His voice, though respectful on the surface, held a subtle flirtatious edge. "How could I refuse your summons?"

He took a slow, deliberate step towards her, his eyes burning with a barely suppressed desire. She remained seated on the edge of the bed, her robes falling open slightly, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her flawless skin. The image sent a jolt through him.

"A clever ruse, using the business negotiations as an excuse," Wang Li chuckled, a hint of amusement lacing his voice. He reached out, his fingers brushing against the soft fabric of her robes. "Though I must say, two months was a long time to wait."

His voice dipped to a seductive murmur as he leaned closer, his breath tickling her ear. "You'll have to make it up to me, my love. All those nights spent apart..."

Xia Bingling's eyes fluttered closed, a shiver running down her spine. "Do as you please, Wang Li," she whispered, her voice laced with a hint of surrender. "Tonight, I am yours to command. Take your frustration out, be as rough as you desire."

The air crackled with unspoken need. Wang Li wasted no time. With a swift movement, he tore her robes away, revealing her beautiful curves.

Her gasp of surprise was quickly drowned out by a heated kiss, his lips demanding and possessive.

As their passion ignited, their movements became a whirlwind of caresses and heated whispers. Xia Bingling, beneath the harshness of his touch, found a sense of liberation.

The room echoed with their moans, a stark contrast to the serene calmness that enveloped the Xia Family Manor. Time seemed to melt away, their bodies a battlefield of unbridled passion. For them, in that secluded space, there was only the searing heat of desire and the stolen pleasure of their illicit affair.

Finally, sated and breathless, they collapsed onto the luxurious bed, limbs intertwined. A comfortable silence settled upon them, broken only by the ragged rhythm of their breaths.

Xia Bingling, her face flushed with passion, opened her eyes to meet his gaze. "We can't allow ourselves to get carried away anymore," she murmured, a hint of regret in her voice.

"No," he agreed, his voice hoarse. "But tonight was... necessary."

A ghost of a smile played on her lips. "Indeed," she conceded. "Now, back to business. We still have a convincing performance to deliver for Qingwu."

Wang Li chuckled, a spark of mischief flickering in his eyes. "Oh, about that business deal..."

Their conversation, however, resumed with renewed caution.